Image via WikipediaBy Steve StillwaterThe state of Alaska is known for its production of oil and natural gas. Rich deposits of fossil fuels have powered American cars and homes as well as the Alaskan economy for decades. Indeed, because of the enormous amount of oil pumped from Alaska's north slope, every Alaskan resident get to deposit a dividend check from the Permanent Fund each year.
What most people do not realize is that Alaska could also be one of the leaders in developing alternative energy technologies. The Last Frontier is rich in geothermal energy sources. Alaska is also home to many rivers that can provide hydroelectric power. And wind, especially around coastal areas, is ubiquitous in Alaska, providing a huge potential resource of wind power just waiting to be harvested. Even solar power is not out of the question in Alaska, with its long summer days. Here are some of the latest developments of non-fossil fuel based energy sources available in the largest US state.
Wind power is one of the fastest power sources to bring on stream. The community of Kodiak is planning to meet 95% of its energy need from renewable sources by the year 2020 from wind. Kodiak recently invested $21.5 million in wind turbine that began operating in 2009. The wind energy alone will save the community 800,000 gallons of petroleum-based fuel annually, worth about $2 million. Another example is on Fire Island in the Cook Inlet, south of Anchorage. A wind farm is under construction there that will produce energy sufficient to heat and light 19,500 homes.
Geothermal energy is also available. Consider the Chena Hot Springs resort, which is located miles from any electrical grid. Here a 400 kilowatt geothermal electric power plant provides all the energy needs for the site. There are also 40 active volcanoes in Alaska and more than 100 other hot springs, all of which offer potential sources of geothermal energy that can be tapped. A big advantage of geothermal energy is that it is available 24/7 regardless of the weather, unlike solar or wind power.
Water provides is another potentially abundant energy resource in a way different from traditional hydroelectric power. Alaska has some of the world's largest tidal fluctuations, offering another rich and predictable source of energy. Ocean Renewable Power Company is planning to test tidal generated energy in the Cook Inlet, by setting up turbines to harness the swift current that result from the tidal movements there. If successful, renewable power for thousands more homes will be available.
Even biofuels is getting some play in Alaska, although to a lesser extent than other renewable energy sources. In the case of Alaska, the sources of the biofuels production would be wood, fish byproducts, sawmill waste, and municipal trash.
Alaska is making smart investments now in renewable energy sources for the future. If the scenario plays out successfully, Alaska could be a surprising leader in renewable energy.
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